TY - JOUR
T1 - The impact of military service on health and wellbeing
AU - Williamson, Victoria
AU - Diehle, Julia
AU - Dunn, Rebecca Jane
AU - Jones, Norman Owen
AU - Greenberg, Neil
PY - 2018/9/14
Y1 - 2018/9/14
N2 - Background: Whilst it is known that some UK Armed Forces (UK AF) personnel and veterans experience physical and mental health problems, the possible future healthcare needs of military veterans is unknown. Aims: This study aimed to estimate the number of military personnel who served between 1991-2014 who may experience physical and/or psychological health problems associated with their military service Methods: Data for this study were obtained via Freedom of Information requests to several sources, including Defence Statistics. Raw data from research studies were also used where available. Data were collated and analysed using meta-analytic methods to determine the rate of physical, mental or comorbid health problems in AF personnel. Results: Musculoskeletal problems were the predominant reason for medical discharge from service. In terms of mental health, meta-analyses estimated that veteran reservists (part-time military members) previously deployed to operational areas had the highest proportion of general health problems (35%), previously deployed veteran regulars (those in full time military employment) and veteran reservists had the highest proportion of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, 9%), and regular personnel with a deployment history had the highest proportion of alcohol problems (14%). Conclusions: The results of this study highlight that the difficulties personnel may face are largely musculoskeletal or mental health-related. These findings may help with planning the provision of future physical and mental health care and support for those who serve in the UK AF.
AB - Background: Whilst it is known that some UK Armed Forces (UK AF) personnel and veterans experience physical and mental health problems, the possible future healthcare needs of military veterans is unknown. Aims: This study aimed to estimate the number of military personnel who served between 1991-2014 who may experience physical and/or psychological health problems associated with their military service Methods: Data for this study were obtained via Freedom of Information requests to several sources, including Defence Statistics. Raw data from research studies were also used where available. Data were collated and analysed using meta-analytic methods to determine the rate of physical, mental or comorbid health problems in AF personnel. Results: Musculoskeletal problems were the predominant reason for medical discharge from service. In terms of mental health, meta-analyses estimated that veteran reservists (part-time military members) previously deployed to operational areas had the highest proportion of general health problems (35%), previously deployed veteran regulars (those in full time military employment) and veteran reservists had the highest proportion of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, 9%), and regular personnel with a deployment history had the highest proportion of alcohol problems (14%). Conclusions: The results of this study highlight that the difficulties personnel may face are largely musculoskeletal or mental health-related. These findings may help with planning the provision of future physical and mental health care and support for those who serve in the UK AF.
M3 - Article
SN - 0962-7480
JO - Occupational Medicine
JF - Occupational Medicine
ER -
